Nothing says “quality” in a garden or allotment more than a wooden greenhouse. Aluminum may be coated to look nice and crafted to last as long as possible, but wood inherently looks beautiful – and by its very nature, it does last. All Swallow Raven glasshouses are constructed from Scandinavian ThermoWood, which has undergone high-tech heat treatment to protect against rot and prevent any possible warping by removing all of the excess rosin and moisture. The result is a wooden greenhouse which will stand the test of time and still look gorgeous. All of these structures are eight feet wide; the smallest Raven glasshouse is compact and perfect for a small family allotment, while the largest one is big enough to grow all of the vegetables, plants and flowers you could possibly need – or even suitable for use as a small commercial greenhouse.

Here’s our rundown of the features of the Swallow Raven Greenhouse models.Size and Detailing: There’s a size for everyone in the Raven lineup, from the modest 8 x 6 and 8 x 8 structures (with two opening roof vents), to the medium-sized 8 x 10, 8 x 12, 8 x 14 and 8 x 16 models (with four roof vents), all the way up to luxurious 8 x 18 (six roof vents) and 8 x 20 glasshouses (with an impressive eight separate opening roof vents) – and even more impressive, Bayliss XL autovents for automatic heat and humidity control are included for each roof vent. The eaves are nearly six feet and the roof height approaches nine feet; each of the structures has wide double doors with a mortise lock (there’s also an option to add a second double door at the opposite end of the greenhouse), and a full length of slatted staging on one side of each glasshouse comes standard.

Greenhouse Construction: The ThermoWood frame is attractive on its own, but you can also have the wood finished in one of nine colours (white, bracken, olive, midnight, stone, summer green, grey, slate or robin’s egg blue) for an additional charge. The bottom boards are tongue-and-groove construction using stainless steel nails, and there’s a 20mm damp barrier made of black PVC screwed to the bottom of the structure for added moisture protection.Glazing: There’s only one option for glazing on the Raven greenhouses: 3mm toughened safety glass. It stays strong against the elements and is largely shatterproof, but breaks into tiny pebbles instead of dangerous shards should an accident happen. It’s held in place by silicone-sealed glazing grooves for added safety.

Options: There’s an enormous list of add-ons for all Swallow Raven wooden greenhouses, in addition to the extra doors and painted frames we’ve already mentioned. We don’t have the space to go through all of them here, but they include extra staging and shelving, rainwater collection systems (in two colours), side vents, cold frames, ornate door handles, and a number of combination shed extensions to give you even more storage or working space. You can even have the Raven customized to sit on a dwarf brick wall – giving your glasshouse a particularly striking appearance.Wooden greenhouses generally cost more than their aluminium counterparts, but make up for the price differential in strength, product lifespan, and sheer beauty. The Swallow Raven line of glasshouses definitely lives up to the expectations you’d have when paying a little extra. A greenhouse like this is a real investment in your garden and will last much longer than an aluminium model and will never blow down in the wind due to it’s weight. Swallow make a smaller 6ft wide version of this greenhouse called the Swallow Kingfisher Greenhouse that has all of the Raven's features.

Model below is built on to a "dwarf wall", a no cost option from Greenhouse Stores.

Finding the right greenhouse to withstand harsh winters or to survive in a windy location can be a challenge. The Elite Titan 800 is up to that challenge, thanks to the extra stiffness provided by its thick, block bar aluminum construction.These eight-foot wide glasshouses are available in narrow lengths to fit just about any allotment, medium-sized lengths for your garden, and spacious models suitable for use as the centerpiece of a lush property. They’re also loaded with extra features which come standard on Elite titan models.

Here’s what you need to know about these sturdy greenhouses:Size and Detailing: The smallest Elite Titan models are six feet wide; from there the choices increase in two-foot increments up to the large and multi-functional 8x20 model, making it easy to find a glasshouse to fit exactly into your available space; the eaves (over five feet) and roof (over eight feet) provide ample headroom. The two smallest Titan greenhouses have one opening roof vent, the 8x10 and 8x12 models have two opening vents, the next two sizes have four roof vents, and the 8x18 and 8x20 glasshouses have six full-sized opening roof vents. All models have a 10-blade side louvre vent; proper integral gutters and double sliding doors with handle and key lock are also standard. Extra features included at no extra charge are cantilever bracing on every bar for extra rigidity in the corners, on the sides and on the roof, bar capping to keep the glazing firmly held to the frame, and a ridge canopy seal to keep water out.

Frames and Base: The Core-Vect aluminum frame on the Elite Titan is rust-free and comes complete with an integrated, low-threshold base. A silver frame is standard, and green, grey, brown, white, berry, olive, stone and black powder-coated are available as optional colours for an extra charge.Glazing: The Titan’s standard option is toughened glazing, which may be the best choice for the harsh conditions this glasshouse is designed to withstand. Available at an extra charge is 6mm polycarbonate glazing, which is virtually unbreakable and is an option worth considering if there are children or pets running around the grounds.

Options: There are numerous add-ons available to customize your Elite Titan even further:

Elite Automatic Roof Vent Opener: the easy way to make sure your glasshouse doesn’t get too hot or humid.Automatic Louvre Vent Opener: another way to be sure the heat and humidity remains optimal inside the greenhouse, particularly desirable because of the standard louvre vent which comes with every Elite Titan model.

Additional Louvre Vents: five-blade louver vents can be added to the glasshouse as options, in addition to the standard vent.

Rainwater Kit and Water Butt: the rainwater kit attaches the greenhouse’s two integral gutters together so they can flow into the 100 litre water butt, which is a separate option.

Staging: two-slat and seven-slat waist-high staging is available, either for one side of the glasshouse or for both sides.

Anyone with a green thumb and a lot of room in their garden or yard should take a long look at the Gardener line of greenhouses from Juliana. These huge, attractive structures are built to accommodate so many plants, flowers and vegetables that you may decide to reserve some of the space as a relaxing getaway spot, or may seriously think about selling some of your excess produce along the side of the road to passers-by. Any keen gardener would find one of these greenhouses a dream spot in which to work.Here’s our closer look at the Juliana Gardener greenhouse:

Size and Detailing: When we say these structures are huge, that’s exactly what we mean. The three available sizes are 12 x 14 (with four opening roof vents), 12 x 16, and 12 x 18 (each with six opening roof vents). We’re sure you can already envision row after row of plants and flowers – plus exactly where you’d position your comfortable lounge chair so you can survey your crops, or where you’d situate your dining table and chairs for a lovely meal surrounded by greenery. Each model has double stable doors which open outward, with stainless steel handles and a cylinder lock; the doors, as well as the glazing strips and fittings, are an attractive black. There’s no threshold built into these Juliana glasshouses, so you can push a wheelbarrow or cart through the doors with ease. Integral wide gutters with leaf guards and 40mm downpipes, and a thick section ridge bar complete with finials, are included as well.

Frames and Base: The Gardener is constructed from sturdy aluminum and is sold in its natural silver colour, although you can also opt for a powder coated anthracite grey finish. Either color looks great with the black finishing colour previously mentioned. No base is included.Glazing: These greenhouses come standard with long sheet 3mm toughened safety glass, a smart choice for our often-tough British winters because the BS6206A safety glass can withstand heavy winds and snow. It’s also safer than the horticultural glass many competitors use because it won’t break into shards with sharp edges if it cracks, it will simply shatter into tiny pebbles. There’s an option to install 6mm polycarbonate glazing instead, not quite as sturdy but completely unbreakable. Whichever you choose, the glazing is held by glazing caps rather than flimsy wire clips which can slip off easily.Options: There’s not a dizzying assortment of add-ons for the Juliana Gardener, but the ones which are available are definitely well thought-out.Automatic Roof Vent Opener: most serious gardeners will tell you this is the one option to consider before any other. The opener can be set to open at any temperature between 16°C and 25°C.

Juliana 8-Blad Louvre Vent and Automatic Louvre Window Opener: these provide additional circulation in your glasshouse, extremely important for structures the size of the Gardener models.Black Juliana Crestings: added to the top of the greenhouse, the crestings match the finials for an extra finishing touch.

Shelving and Staging: two- and three-bay staging attaches directly to the side of the greenhouse, and similar standalone shelving is also available as an option. Most of us who garden as a hobby dearly wish we had the room for a huge, spacious glasshouse on our property. For those who have that luxury, Juliana Gardener greenhouses allow you to make the most of that space.

Many people with narrow allotments, even if they’d like to squeeze a greenhouse into their available space, figure there’s no way they could pull it off. They obviously haven’t seen the Eden Birdlip line of four-foot wide glasshouses; you could even fit the smallest one into your bedroom easily (if your bedroom has a high ceiling, of course). These compact beauties are designed for the exact purpose of fitting into small allotments or gardens, and Eden doesn’t compromise when it comes to quality.

Check out the specifics of the Eden Birdlip four-foot glasshouses:

Size and Detailing: There are three sizes of these small Eden models. All are four feet wide and are available in widths of four feet, six feet or eight feet; the 4 x 4 has one opening roof vent while the two larger structures each have two opening roof vents. All come standard with one automatic vent opener at no extra charge. Even the smallest model has locking, double sliding doors with a zero-threshold opening, so there’s no way you’ll trip over the doorway or have difficulty wheeling in a cart. All of the Birdlips come equipped with wide 80mm gutters and 40mm downpipes.

Frames and Base: The frames on the Birdlip are sturdy aluminum, shipping in natural colour but also available in green or black powder coating. There’s an integral base plinth on all three sizes of this glasshouse, along with aluminum “L” brackets letting you screw the structure down to a hard surface. A ridge bar adds extra strength to the entire greenhouse.Glazing: Eden offers three options for the glazing on these glasshouses: standard 3mm full-length horticultural glass, 3 mm toughened glazing and 6mm twin wall polycarbonate glazing. The standard glass should be fine for most installations, but the toughened glazing breaks into tiny pieces rather than dangerous shards if it happens to break (which is unlikely) and the polycarbonate is unbreakable and often the best choice in very windy climates. There’s glazing bar capping, so there are no clips fastening the glazing to the structure to worry about.

Options: There is a wealth of add-ons available for the Eden Birdlip greenhouses. Here are some of the most noteworthy:Automatic Roof Vent Opener: as mentioned, one comes included with all models but you can add a second one if you buy either of the larger structures with two roof vents.

Eden Louvre Vents: this six-slat vent with toughened glass fits into the side of your structure and is opened with a lever, to provide extra air flow and cooling for your greenhouse.Automatic Louvre Window Opener: obviously, added convenience if you want your greenhouse to be well aired and humidity free.Gutter and Downpipe Accessories: these include a connecting kit for your gutters and downpipes, and an extra set of downpipes for extra drainage.Integrated or Stand-Alone Staging: there are a number of choices here including 40cm wide staging that can run the length of your structure, and one- or two-tier standalone shelving, staging, benches and seed trays. One measure of the trust that Eden has in this line of glasshouses is that they offer a 12-year manufacturer’s warranty; the industry standard is ten years, so you know they’re confident that their Birdlip models are built to last a long, long time.

The Gardener’s Oasis may not look like a traditional greenhouse, appearing to be more like a tent than a glasshouse. But don’t let the looks fool you; behind the somewhat odd and perhaps even pedestrian look of these American-made structures is a well-thought out approach to home gardening. The construction materials are different than those normally seen in the greenhouses sold under major brand names, but they’ve been selected for optimal strength and light diffusion. And the Gardener’s Oasis glasshouses also have standard extras you won’t often find elsewhere. Here’s a closer look at this interesting greenhouse:

Size and Detailing: All of these Solexx offerings are eight feet wide, and there are four available sizes: 8 x 8, 8 x 12, 8 x 16 and 8 x 24, each with one large louvered air vent. The eaves of these structures are curved and the roofs are rounded (with the glazing stretching over them both) so there’s more than ample headroom to work with, around eight feet. There’s a single locking door made from the same material as the rest of the greenhouse. No gutters are needed because of the curved construction. Standard extras are two strong, double-tiered bench frames (which hold 250 pounds each) and two full-length hanging rods. Solexx also offers a deluxe upgrade, which includes a solar opener for the louvre vent, shelves to fit the bench frames, base vents and a tie-down kit.

Frames and Base: The frame on the Gardener’s Oasis models is made from a heavy-duty composite material, designed for strength and to prevent rust and corrosion; it’s assembled with PVC and steel fittings. A sturdy built-in base is included with the greenhouse. Solexx recommends placing the structure over a gravel base with a weed barrier for best drainage, but it can also go on top of a lawn, concrete base, or any other surface.

Glazing: Solexx uses a proprietary 3.5mm twin-wall translucent, polyethylene material for its glazing (with the option to upgrade to 5mm), which the company says is superior to the polycarbonate glazing normally used for greenhouses. The glazing used on Gardener’s Oasis models (called Solexx panels) is insulated to reduce the cost of heating or cooling the structure, and UV-formulated to provide diffused light to the plants inside. Solexx says it has tests showing that this light diffusion accelerates plant growth by more than 25%. The company also has research showing that the R-value (measuring effective insulation) of its 5mm Solexx panels is nearly double that of traditional 6mm twin-wall polycarbonate glazing. As we’ve previously noted, the Gardener’s Oasis glazing stretches all the way around the top of the glasshouse, which means that there aren’t gaps where wind can get in to disrupt the material’s integrity.

Options: No other options are available for these Solexx models, other than the upgrades to the deluxe package and to thicker 5mm glazing.

It might take a leap of faith to purchase a Solexx Gardener’s Oasis greenhouse rather than one which looks more like the glasshouse you’ve pictured for years. However, if you’re not one of those people who believe in “form over function” these models are an interesting alternative to carefully consider.

If you’re facing major space constraints but can’t do without a quality greenhouse, the line of Elite Windsor Lean to glasshouses may be exactly what you’re searching for. All of the models are four feet wide with a roof that slopes down from the six-and-a-half foot ridge height; they’re shorter than any well-made lean to on the market, and perfect for installation against the sides of sheds, bungalows, garages or outbuildings. With the Windsor Lean to you have a greenhouse that’s built to last and will snugly fit into just about any small space you have to work with.

Here is an in-depth look at the features of this Elite glasshouse:

Sizes and Features: There are nine different sizes of the Windsor Lean to from which you can choose: they start at 4 x 4 and the widths increase in two-foot increments all the way up to the largest model, the 4 x 20. That means that there are models for tiny spaces, ones which will give you as much space as a standard glasshouse, and ones which will run all the way along the length of a cottage or bungalow. The number of roof vents varies with the length of the greenhouse; there’s one vent in the smaller models, there are two vents in the 4 x 14 and 4 x 16, and three roof vents in the 4 x 18 and 4 x 20. All sizes come with a single sliding door which can be installed at either end of the structure, and built-in gutters.

Frames and Base: The Windsor Lean to frame is made from rust-free aluminum and available in six colours: natural unpainted silver, or powder coated green, brown, black, white or grey. A steel base is optional, and adds another five inches to the overall height of the structure (possibly a concern if you need a lean to in order to fit your available space). The base can be matched to the colour of your frame, if you desire. Both frames and base are covered by a ten-year warranty.

Glazing: There are three different glazing choices with the Elite Windsor Lean to: standard 3mm horticultural glazing (suitable for most applications), 3mm toughened safety glass (better for locations where small children or pets could be hurt by broken glass shards), and 6mm twin wall polycarbonate glazing with silvered edges, which provides the most insulation and is unbreakable, although not the best choice for extremely windy locations.

Options: We’ve already mentioned the most important add-in, the steel base which adds stability to the glasshouse as well as extra height (which could be a plus or a minus, depending on your space availability). Other options include bar capping (in colours to match the frames) which seals glazing in place against the wind, a side louvre vent, automatic openers for either roof or side vents, several different types of modular staging and several sizes of shelving.

When space is limited, you don’t have to settle for outdoor planting or substandard “greenhouses” which may not even last for one season. The Elite Windsor Lean to is high in quality but low to the ground, providing a terrific growing structure for just about any space you have available.

Potting sheds are a terrific convenience for gardeners, providing important storage and workspace. There’s usually one big problem with them: very little usable light inside. Swallow has solved that issue by essentially building an all-in-one potting shed and greenhouse, which they call the Rook. It is constructed from high-tech, treated Scandinavian ThermoWood ®, with half of the structure featuring glass side panels and roof to maximize the amount of light which reaches the seedlings and other plants you’re working on. It’s the perfect hybrid building, made even more perfect (if that’s possible) by the fact that Swallow provides free installation in most areas of the UK.

Here are the essential facts on the Swallow Rook Potting Shed:

Sizes and Detailing: The Rook is eight feet wide, with seven different lengths available from 8 x 8 to 8 x 20, so there’s a size which will work with just about any home gardening space. Each model has two roof vents (which come with automatic openers at no extra charge) and one side opening window; there’s also an inward opening door on the side of the structure (you can choose on which side it’s built) with a high-quality mortise lock. No potting shed would be complete without staging and storage, of course, and the Swallow Rook comes standard with full-length wooden staging in the front (sitting flush against the windows) and two wooden shelves in the back.

General Construction: The distinctive appearance of this potting shed is largely due to the strong and beautiful wood used in its construction. The timbers, used widely throughout the Scandinavian countries for outdoor buildings, are thermally modified and pre-treated so that all excess moisture is removed. That makes the wood more stable, more resistant to decay and more attractive – even more so when you choose from any of the ten available colours, all of which (except for the natural wood grain) are painted onto the timbers at the Swallow facility in Rotherham. The tongue-and-groove construction is backed with stainless steel nails, and there’s a fitted floor with plastic runners in order to prevent dampness. There is a ten-year warranty on all timbers.

Glazing: Standard glazing for the front and side panels of all Rook models is 3mm toughened safety glass, which fits into grooves inside the wooden frame and is then sealed into place with silicone. The glazing is ideal for windy areas and properties with children; the glass is nearly unbreakable, and if it does shatter it breaks into tiny pieces rather than dangerous shards. Options: Since so much is included with this potting shed, there are only a few add-ons available: rainwater systems (in white or black), several additional shelving options, and a black wrought iron door handle.

Potting sheds are usually an afterthought for most gardeners. After all, when space is at a premium it’s difficult to justify the “waste” of growing area. With the Swallow Rook, however, there’s so much light available for your plants and seedlings that a potting shed becomes much more than a luxury – it’s storage space, work space and a greenhouse in one beautiful structure.

One of the best lines of moderately-priced large home greenhouses you’ll find anywhere is the Eden Monarch. Forget those small “starter” glasshouses which can fit into a corner of your property or your small allotment. These 10-foot wide beauties are designed for larger gardens, and also for schools or universities which have gardening education programs. Even if you’re the most serious greenhouse grower in town, one of these 10 x 20 structures will provide more than enough space – and make you the envy of everyone around.

Here’s an in-depth look at the Eden Monarch greenhouse.

Size and Detailing: There are no “small” models of the Monarch. There are five sizes available; as mentioned, they’re all 10 feet wide with standard-sized eaves, and their lengths run from 12 feet all the way up to 20 feet. The two smallest versions of this glasshouse have four opening roof vents, the two medium sizes have six vents and the two largest Monarchs each have eight roof vents. All models have integral gutters and locking double doors which open outward with no threshold, making access a breeze for the disabled or those bringing in plants or supplies on carts or wheelbarrows.

Frames and Base: The greenhouse frame is made from aluminum and available in two colours, natural silver or powder coated green. The Eden Monarch comes with a built-in aluminum base providing stability for the entire structure, and if you aren’t putting the greenhouse onto a slab or concrete, there are steel corner posts which will let you install it into softer ground by sinking the posts into the soil and filling the holes with concrete. Even more stability is provided by the extra roof and side braces which are also standard with these models. There is a 12-year warranty on the frame and base.

Glazing: The full range of glazing options is available with the Monarch: standard greenhouse horticultural glass (3mm thick with overlapping 2 x 2 panes joined with S-clips), toughened safety glass (3mm thick and in long panes), and polycarbonate glazing (twin walled and 6mm thick). The toughened glazing is stronger than the horticultural and won’t break into sharp shards of glass if cracked, so it’s a much better choice for families. The polycarbonate is even safer since it’s unbreakable, but won’t stand up quite as well to strong winds. Options: There are several useful ventilation options for these glasshouses, including automatic openers for the roof vents, a six-slat toughened glass louvre window which can install on a side panel, and an automatic opener for the louvre window. All sorts of other add-ons are available from Eden, including small and large heaters, irrigation systems, and shelving and staging ranging from single tier to three tiers.

One of the real hazards of home gardening is that you want to keep adding and adding more plants, vegetables and flowers to your “spread.” But with the winters we often experience, finding the room necessary to start all of those seedlings or grow all of those delicate plants becomes impossible. With the amount of space that the Eden Monarch greenhouses provide that problem is solved – you can indulge your green thumb to your heart’s content. This is a highly recommended greenhouse that we like. It's big, it's practical and it'll last !

While we may all visualize a large, spacious greenhouse as the centre piece of a lavish, spacious estate – most of us aren’t quite that fortunate, and are limited to a small structure in a corner of our garden or allotment. There’s a perfect glasshouse for that situation: the Elite Compact, which has much more to offer than you’d ever expect from a small greenhouse only four feet wide. With almost all of the standard features and options offered in larger Elite models, the Compact line is worth a close look.

Here's the low down...........

Size and Detailing: As befits this line’s name, there are three small versions of the Compact available: 4 x 4, 4 x 6 and 4 x 8; it’s hard to imagine any home or allotment gardener unable to find the space necessary for these glasshouses, and many inner-city residents find greenhouses from this line the ideal choice for their limited gardening area. These models are built to maximize headroom, with more than five feet to the eaves and nearly seven feet to the ridge. All three sizes come standard with one opening roof vent, sliding double doors with lockable handles (even in the 4 x 4) with a low threshold (making it easy to wheel in supplies or plants), and built-in aluminum rain gutters.

Frames and Base: The Elite Compact is made from rust-free aluminum which is available in nine different finishes: unpainted, or powder coated green, brown, black, white, grey, berry, olive or stone. All sizes also come with an integral aluminum base for stability. The greenhouses come with a ten-year warranty.

Glazing: As with all Elite models, there are three glazing choices available. Standard 3mm horticultural glazing is the option for most gardeners, with 2 x 2 panes attached to each other with “S” clips. Long sheets of 3mm toughened safety glass (grade A EN12150 standard) won’t crack or break into large shards, and is a great choice in windy areas or if small children are nearby. 6mm twin wall polycarbonate glazing is unbreakable and provides the best insulation for plants grown in cold regions.

Options: Unlike most greenhouse manufacturers, Elite allows you to opt for bar capping (in green, brown, black, white or grey) to hold the Compact’s glazing in place for greater wind resistance. You can also add a five-slat side louvre vent for increased air circulation and better control of humidity levels, as well as automatic openers (and closers) for both the louvre vent and the roof vent. If you’ve chosen one of the larger Compact models, you can even add another roof vent (available in colours to match your glasshouse frame) if you’d like. Additional options include heaters, several different sizes of aluminum staging and shelving, rainwater kits and water butts.

Gardeners forced to work with small spaces often feel that they just don’t have enough room for a greenhouse, or that they have to settle for a sub-standard product in order to fit their allotment or tiny yard. The Elite Compact is the glasshouse for those gardeners because it provides all of the features you’d get in a larger structure, in a small greenhouse with a price to match. Highly recommended !

It’s often hard to tell home or allotment greenhouses apart, with their silver or green coloured aluminum frames and standardized appearances.Enter the Swallow Kingfisher greenhouse. It’s manufactured from specially-treated Scandinavian wood, with premium fixtures and some terrific options you won’t find available for any other glasshouse on the market. Unlike machined aluminum framing that could be shipped from just about anywhere, the Kingfishers are hand-built by carpenters in Rotherham for the ultimate in craftsmanship and distinctiveness. And perhaps best of all, the company delivers and installs all glasshouses to UK locations for free.

Here’s the lowdown on the Swallow Kingfisher line:

Sizes and Detailing: Nine different sizes of this greenhouse are available to choose from. They are all six feet wide with lengths ranging from four feet to 20 feet (in two foot increments), so there’s a Kingfisher to fit everywhere from the smallest of allotments to extensive home garden plots. The smallest model has one opening roof vent; the 6 x 6, 6 x 8 and 6 x 10 each have two roof vents, and the larger sizes have four (going all the way up to 20ft long) – and all of the vent windows come as standard with automatic openers. There an inward-opening door (with aluminum handle and mortise lock) on all of the Swallow Kingfishers, and slatted staging on one side of the structure are also standard.

Frames and Construction: The really distinctive feature of this greenhouse is the frame, made from thermally-modified timber known as ThermoWood ®, which is treated at very high temperatures to remove moisture and resin. This makes the wood more durable and stronger, and also ensures a consistent colour. It’s used throughout Scandinavia for outdoor construction, and it’s the “secret ingredient” in Swallow wooden greenhouses. The boards are assembled tongue-and-groove style and then fixed with stainless steel nails; the frame is available in natural wood and nine other colours, with all painting done right at the factory. There are numerous extra construction touches on the Kingfisher including redwood pine glazing bars, clear plastic joints for cut shapes, glazing sealed to the structure with silicone, timber capping at the top and ridge vents, and a lower PVC section screwed onto the bottom of the structure (the “damp barrier”) to prevent the lower timbers from being saturated by moisture. There is a ten-year warranty on the frame and base.

Glazing: All of the Kingfisher models come with 3mm toughened long pane safety glass, which is safe and wind-resistant. It fits into special grooves in the wood and then, as previously mentioned, is sealed to the frame with silicone.

Options: There are some highly unusual and terrific options available for this greenhouse. The most impressive are varying sizes of matching shed extensions which can be added to the back of the glasshouse, some with windows, floors or additional doors. There are also customisations you can select including one which allows the greenhouse to sit on a brick wall (plans for the wall are included) and another with extra side vents. Several colours of rainwater systems are available as add-ons as well.

The Swallow Kingfisher is a step above the usual aluminium glasshouse – from the treated wood, to the well-planned design and quality construction, to the terrific options available (not to mention the free installation). Anyone who wants to buy a greenhouse they plan to use for the long term owes it to themselves to give this structure a close look.

One of the newest models in the extensive Vitavia greenhouse catalog is the Phoenix. It’s a large and very attractive offering, with standard eight-foot widths and a wealth of sizes and options. The recently-added low threshold entrance is one of the nice features of the new Vitavia lines; when added to the quality and attention to detail expected from the company, these glasshouses become a choice which should be at or near the top of any shopper’s list.

Here’s more detail on the Vitavia Phoenix Greenhouse:

Size and Detailing: The smaller sizes of the Phoenix may fit into some larger allotments, but these are primarily greenhouses designed to fit into your home garden or yard. You can choose from 8 x 8, 8 x 10, 8 x 12 or 8 x 14 models, each with eaves of decent-height and plenty of room for all of the plants and flowers you could ever want to grow, as well as space for you to relax and enjoy the view. Ventilation is terrific in these structures with four opening roof vents (although just two vents are included with the 8x8 model); there are also double sliding doors with a low threshold allowing easy entrance with a wheelbarrow or wheelchair, and fully-integrated gutters.

Frames and Base: The Vitavia Phoenix is constructed with no-rust aluminum frames, available in your choice of natural silver finish, powder coated green or powder coated black. There is an integrated base plinth on all sizes of this glasshouse, keeping the structure square and rigid – which is also the reason behind the additional corner and roof bracing which comes standard with the Phoenix. Even though the greenhouse is best placed onto a concrete slab or similar surface, corner posts also are included, allowing you to sink the posts into post holes dug in soft ground, and then cement the structure into place. There is a ten-year warranty on the frames and base.

Glazing: As with all Vitavia greenhouses, you can select from three choices of glazing: standard 3mm horticultural glass, toughened 3mm safety glass, or 6mm twin wall polycarbonate glazing. Your choice should largely depend on where the structure will be placed and who will be near it; the latter two choices are much safer for an area where children will be playing, the polycarbonate provides the highest level of insulation but the lowest level of wind resistance, and the horticultural glazing works for most applications.

Options: Bar capping is a worthwhile add-on to the Phoenix glasshouse, completely securing the glazing into the frame for added stability. If you feel the need for additional ventilation, you can purchase extra roof vents or louvre windows as options, along with devices to automatically open and close them as required. Shelving and staging, downpipe kits and other accessories are also available.

Vitavia Phoenix greenhouses are solid and spacious, easy to configure according to your choice of size, colour and glazing – and moderately priced. When you factor in the nice “options” included as standard like the base plinth and low-threshold entrance, it’s easy to see why the Phoenix has quickly become one of Vitavia’s most popular models.

One of the most unique approaches to home greenhouses is the one used by Nordic. The company uses double glazed glass for their structures’ sides, thicker polycarbonate glazing than in any other glasshouse for the roof panels, and UPVC instead of aluminum or other more “standard” materials for the frames. The end result is a greenhouse which is better insulated, stronger and more rigid than most competitors’, and virtually maintenance-free. Nordic selects the materials for their greenhouses to withstand our often-harsh winters, and perform just as well in windy coastal and elevated regions. That leads to a unique and very substantial product – as well as one which is quite attractive.

Here are more details on the Nordic Scanline Double Glazed UPVC Greenhouse:

Size and Detailing: This glasshouse is available in two sizes, 8 x 8 (model GH5) and 8 x 10 (model GH7) suitable for a large allotment or any size of home garden. Each model comes standard with two opening (and locking) side windows, and an automatically-opening (and closing) roof vent; almost every other competitive product requires you to buy the opener as an add-on. There’s a single, large door which opens outward and locks securely against the wind.

Frames and Base: The Nordic frames are made of UPVC (the “U” means that it’s “unplasticized,” making the material more rigid than normal PVC) and are quite unusual in greenhouse construction. The best way to visualize this material is by thinking of the vinyl siding commonly used on many houses in the US. It is rigid and strong, requires no maintenance except for an occasional washing, and won’t rot or warp. You can select from six colours (including two very distinctive ones) to fit the look of your property: white, green, black, grey, golden oak and rosewood). No separate base is available for the Scanline Double Glazed UPVC greenhouse; it’s designed to be placed on a concrete slab or pad since its weight will hold it firmly in place. The frames are covered by a five-year warranty.

Glazing: We’ve already mentioned the very different glazing which comes with this glasshouse. It is double-glazed toughened safety glass, which provides outstanding thermal efficiency, lowers heating bills, and is extremely child- and pet-friendly because the glass is very difficult to shatter (and simply breaks into little pieces rather than sharp shards if it does shatter). The roof panels are made from 10mm twin wall polycarbonate – shatterproof, able to bear heavy snow loads, and providing great UV protection for your plants and seedlings.

Options: Nordic doesn’t provide a wide variety of options for their double glazed UPVC models, but the ones they do offer are important ones for many gardeners: an extra roof vent and an extra side vent, each to provide additional ventilation and humidity control; and optional gutters and downpipes which easily connect to the frame.

Nordic Scanline double glazed greenhouses are some of the more expensive structures on the market, but that’s for a good reason. The construction and strength of these glasshouses is first-rate, and they may stand up to inclement or “nordic” weather better than any competitors that we’ve seen.

If you’ve been searching for an impressive, stylish, roomy yet functional greenhouse, the Vitavia Sirius Orangery will fit the bill perfectly. This nominally 12 x 12 glasshouse actually has wings branching off the entry, making it into more of a combination “work and escape” space than the simple glass rectangle so many competitors’ structures appear to be. There’s room to spare along with tall eaves and a high ridge; the overall look of this greenhouse and the amount of light which is able to reach your plants (and you) are stunning – much like the original orangeries used to house citrus trees on 17th and 18th century estates.

Here is a closer look at the Vitavia Sirius Orangery:

Size and Detailing: As mentioned, the nominal size of this glasshouse is 12 x 12, but the actual growing space (13 square metres, with five-foot eaves and an eight-foot high ridge) is ideal for large amounts of plants, vegetables and seedlings while also pleasing to the eye; while too large for most allotments, it would be a beautiful addition to any garden or yard. There are four opening roof vents, sliding double doors with threshold, and integral gutters with three included downpipes.

Frames and Base: The frame is anodized aluminum and available in three colours: natural silver, powder coated green, or powder coated black. A galvanized steel base is included with the Vitavia Sirius Orangery, providing rigidity to the structure; base corner posts are also standard so you can place the greenhouse directly onto any surface. There is also additional roof and corner bracing giving the greenhouse even more strength against the elements. Both the frame and base are covered by a ten-year warranty.

Glazing: The only glazing available for the Vitavia Sirius Orangery is 3mm long pane toughened safety glass, which transmits light quite well, holds strong against winds and will break into tiny pieces rather than dangerous shards if broken (which is not an easy thing to do). There’s a terrific bar capping system to replace the flimsy clips often used on greenhouse glazing.

Options: There’s no need to buy an expensive base, since it comes standard with the Vitavia Sirius. There are lots of other goodies available, however; the best are for additional ventilation. You can add auto-openers for the four roof vents, as well as louvre windows which can be installed in the walls (along with auto-openers if you so choose). There are even extra roof vents offered as options, if you feel that four aren’t enough, plus a large assortment of staging and shelving (in colors to match the frame). A final add-on, available only for the Sirius Orangery, is a set of distinctive green cresting, which can be placed at the top of the roof crest to put an exclamation point on the statement that this greenhouse will make on your property.

There are are tons of quality greenhouses on the market which will do a fine job for amateur gardeners. There are, however, only a few which will add a touch of class along with its panes of glass. The Vitavia Sirius Orangery greenhouse is one of them.

Options: We’ve already mentioned the optional base for these glasshouses, which is a great investment to make. Rion also offers an automatic vent opener which will open and close the roof vent depending on the heat inside the greenhouse, and a side louvre vent (with ten blades for maximum air flow) which is a nice way to provide additional ventilation for the plants and flowers inside. You can also add various types of staging, benches and hangers to complete your work area.

Rion doesn’t try to be all things to all people; the company simply offers what it believes to be well-built and designed greenhouses, made from the optimal materials to encourage.

With the trademark Rion Dutch barn-style roof and green frame, the company’s Ecogrow greenhouses give your garden or allotment a touch of class, while at the same time being a great choice for our sometimes difficult winters. The Ecogrow line is the most compact and therefore the least expensive of Rion’s glasshouses, but there are no short cuts taken on design or the materials used to build these showplaces; they’ve been tested to withstand major wind gusts (as high as 65 mph) and enormous loads of snow.

Here’s a thumbnail look at what you can expect with a Rion Ecogrow:

Size And Detailing: Three sizes of this greenhouse are available, all of which can fit into a small garden and most of which can fit into just about any size of allotment: 6 x 6, 6 x 10 and 6 x 12. Each comes with one opening roof window for ventilation, a single outward-opening door complete with lockable latch (certainly desirable in windy areas), and lots of room for working inside the structure thanks to the distinctive Dutch barn roof which allows extra clearance for both heads and plants.

Frames and Base: As with other Rion greenhouses, frames only come in one “flavor” – strong, hunter green, UV-protected poly resin that’s as strong as any plastic frame you can find. It ensures more insulation and strength than found in comparable structures with aluminum frames; the resin won’t disclour or bend despite the elements. The Ecogrow is among the easiest to assemble on the market (as are all Rion products), because they’re designed so that the lightweight frame just snaps together in seconds with no tools required. One other plus: these models are expandable, so you can just snap extra pieces of frame into the existing greenhouse, add the glazing, and you’ve got more room to work in. There’s also an optional base made of the same green poly resin material, which gives the glasshouse another level of stability and strength.

Glazing: One type of glazing, 6mm twin wall polycarbonate, is standard on all Rion models with no options for horticultural or toughened glass. That’s fine for most people, though, because the polycarbonate material provides outstanding UV protection for the plants inside the glasshouse, Similar material, but 4mm thick, is used for the roof panels. The advantages to polycarbonate glazing – unbreakable with unparalleled insulation – are obvious.

If you’ve ever looked at Halls greenhouses and been impressed by their construction, but have wished for something a little bit more distinctive-looking, the Halls Supreme Curved Eaves greenhouse is right in your wheelhouse. The Supreme is based on the company’s “Popular” models, but with the addition of beautiful curved eaves made from tough acrylic material. Basically, it takes a great glasshouse and makes it even better.

Check it out:

Size and Detailing: Halls always offers a wide selection of dimensions in their structures so there’s always a model for every size of garden or allotment. The same huge choice is available with six different sizes of Curved Eaves models available. You can pick from 6 x 4, 6 x 6, 6 x 8, 8 x 10, 8 x 12 and 8 x 14 greenhouses; the smallest three options come with one roof vent, the 8 x 10 has two vents, and the biggest two have four roof vents each. The top three sizes each feature double sliding doors. No gutters are necessary on the Supreme models because of the curved eaves.

Frames and Base: These greenhouses come with aluminum frames available in two colours, natural grey or powder coated forest green. The Supreme does not come with an included base, but there is an optional steel base which can sit on the ground or be anchored tightly, greatly increasing the glasshouse’s stability as well as its height.

Glazing: Two different types of glazing can be selected for all of the Supreme Curved Eaves models: 3mm horticultural glass or 3mm toughened safety glass. The horticultural glazing is more than sufficient for most gardeners, but the toughened glazing is a nice option for those who either have small children around who might be apt to toss a ball at the structure; the safety glass will break into tiny pieces if shattered, and not into dangerous shards. It will also stand up better against very strong winds. The eaves are made from strong UV-protected acrylic, also designed to stand up to abuse while looking terrific.

Options: The steel base is probably the most important option you can select for the Supreme, but the ventilation options are definitely worth considering as well. An autovent opener for each roof vent is available, automatically preventing the greenhouse from getting too hot (and additional roof vents are available as well). Another useful addition can be the louvre window vent with five slats made from toughened glass; it allows you to increase the airflow in your glasshouse even more. An automatic vent opener is also available for the louvre window vent. Shading kits, heaters, irrigations, and all sorts of staging and shelving for the inside of your greenhouse, are also options for all of Hall’s structures including the Curved Eaves models.

From small allotments to sprawling lawns, there’s a Supreme greenhouse model made for every type of yard or plot. They have the usual Halls quality, along with the unique curved eaves look which will make your garden stand out from the rest.

Options: We’ve already touched on the optional steel base for the Hera, as well as the glazing bar capping. Because this greenhouse is hexagonal, rather than square or rectangular, the usual options for adding extra roof vents or side louvre vents are not available. However, you can still add on automatic vent openers (which also close the vents, of course) which can react to the temperature inside the glasshouse and let in more or less air, as needed. One- and two-tier silver staging options are useful add-ons, as are accessories such as thermometers, hygrometers, and hooks for hanging plants.

The Vitavia Hera 4500 is more than just a greenhouse. It’s a beautiful addition to any property, a perfect place to enjoy a sunny day, and a way to show that you appreciate having beautiful things (other than plants and flowers) surrounding you.

If you want to make an architectural statement with your greenhouse, or simply would like to have a wonderful treat for the eyes in the middle of your yard, the Hexagonal Vitavia Hera 4500 is worth a long look. It would even be a fabulous sunroom, providing a peaceful spot for an escape to chill out, right on your own land.That’s because the Hera isn’t a traditional home glasshouse – it’s hexagonal in shape. The interior creates the optimal environment for your flowers and plants, because of the large amount of exposure to the sun from the six glazed sides and pyramid-shaped roof. And without gushing too much, it’s simply beautiful to look at.

Size and Detailing: This greenhouse only comes in one size, seven feet by eight feet – the measurements are approximate because of the hexagonal shape. (If you’re looking for a larger glasshouse, the Hera 9000 is larger, measuring 11 feet by 12 feet.) It has high eaves 6 feet tall and a total of 4.5 square metres of growing space, which is also plenty of room for several people to relax in the sun. There is a sliding door along with two side vents which open for ventilation, and there are built-in rain gutters.

Frames and Base: The Hera 4500’s frame is made from anodised aluminum which won’t rust or discolour; you can select either a powder coated green or natural silver colour. Additional steel braces are built into the structure so that that both the corners and roof are given added strength and stability. A galvanized steel base is also available as an option, and it can either sit directly on concrete or slabs, or be positioned over soft ground where the included corner posts will grab easily. There is a ten year warranty on both the frame and optional base.

Glazing: You can choose the standard horticultural glazing for the Vitavia Hera 4500, or opt for toughened safety glazing if your greenhouse will be located somewhere where there’s danger of breakage. Bar capping is also available for your glazing, holding it firmly in place (as opposed to glazing clips, which can shake loose) in the event of strong winds or other inclement weather.

The Elite Craftsman is a quality glasshouse manufactured in the UK, at the company’s factory in Bolton. With one of the largest ranges of sizes available, as well as three different glazing options and nine different colours to choose from, it’s difficult to imagine that there isn’t a Craftsman which would fit just about anyone’s tastes or space limitations. It’s priced right, but is still a solid structure which will give anyone from novice to experienced gardener everything necessary to indulge their green thumb.

Here are the specifics on the Elite Craftsman Greenhouse:

Size and Detailing: Take a deep breath, because there will be a dizzying number of choices listed in this review. The sizes available for the Craftsman: 6 x 4, 6 x 6, 6 x 8, 6 x 10, 6 x 12, 6 x 14, 6 x 16, 6 x 18 and 6 x 20. We meant it when we said there’s one of these for just about anyone. The two smallest sizes each have one roof vent, the next three sizes have two roof vents, the 14 and 16 foot models have three vents, and the 18 and 20 foot models have four vents. All have one sliding door with no threshold (convenient for wheeling in supplies or plants) as well as a latch and proper lock with key (sadly, that’s a nice feature for greenhouse situated in allotments). There are integral gutters on all models.

Frames and Base: The Elite Craftsman’s frame is made from aluminum, lightweight and rust-free. There are nine colour choices (you read that correctly): natural, grey, white, black, green, olive, brown, stone and berry. If you’ve ever wondered why you always have to choose just between silver and green – you’ve found a solution with Elite. An integral aluminum base is also included at no extra charge. Extra bracing for the frame and roof is also standard.

Glazing: Three more choices here for you: 2x2 frames of 3mm standard horticultural glazing joined with S-clips, 3mm long pane toughened glazing (British standard EN12150), or 6mm twin wall unbreakable polycarbonate glazing for the best insulation – although it may not be the best option if you’re in a very windy area.

Options: The coolest option we’ve seen anywhere is the Elite Craftsman starter kit. It includes an automatic roof vent opener, a side louvre vent (plus the opener for it), a downpipe kit, and staging and shelving built specifically for these models of glasshouse. Of course, you can buy each of those options separately, as well as some unusual other offerings such as bar capping (available in all colours to match the frames) to secure the greenhouse’s glazing securely in place, roof vents in matching colours, and many other types of staging and shelves. They also offer electric heaters and not just the paraffin ones sold by many other companies.

The Elite Craftsman Greenhouse is a solid, mid-range glasshouse which stands out because of its wide range of colours, glazings and sizes. Anyone with a sense of fashion, as well as specific ideas on the size, glazing and options they want in their greenhouse, will find a lot to choose from – and be satisfied with the final product.

The “top of the line” greenhouse offered by Rion is the Grand Gardener. Its standard sizes are wider than the EcoGrow and Hobby Gardener lines and there are two options for glazing (although not the ones you’d expect), but the Grand Gardener still features the durable green frame and Rion Dutch barn roof for added growing space found with their other lines. These glasshouses may not be the right size for a small allotment, but will be a gorgeous addition to your garden or yard.

Here’s what there is to like (and there’s a lot) in the Grand Gardener line:

Size and Detailing: An eight-foot width is standard for these greenhouses, with available sizes of 8 x 8, 8 x 12, 8 x 16 and an enormous 8 x 20 which will accommodate almost any home gardener. The extra width is enough to allow all of these models to have latching and lockable double doors (with aluminum hinges) which open outward, and a low threshold makes it easy to move plants, tools or wheelbarrows in or out. The number of roof vents varies with the size of the glasshouse; there’s one in the 8 x 8, two in the 8 x 12, three in the 8 x 16 and four in the 8 x 20. And the dramatic look of the roof completes the elegant appearance of the Grand Gardener.

Frames and Base: With Rion greenhouses, you don’t get much choice when it comes to the frames and base. These structures are just like the lower-level Rion models, with hunter green frames made from strong PVC resin which won’t discolour; no aluminum or black coloured frames are available. The PVC adds an extra level of protection against UV-rays not found with aluminum frames, and is also the strongest frame found in these types of glasshouses. They’ve been tested to withstand extremely harsh winters and high winds. Rion frames are known to be extraordinarily easy to assemble and the Grand Gardeners are no exception; they simply snap together without muss, fuss or tools. The base is not standard on these models, but there’s an optional base made of the same PVC material that’s strongly recommended in order to further stabilize the structure.

Glazing: It’s unusual for Rion glasshouses, but you get to choose the type of glazing in your Grand Gardener. But it’s not (as you’d probably expect) a choice between types of glass – all of these greenhouses come standard with twin wall, unbreakable polycarbonate glazing, 6mm for the sides and 4mm for the roof panels. The choice is whether you want opaque or clear polycarbonate. They each have their advantages; opaque panels provide extra UV protection for your plants, while clear ones allow for greater transmission of light while also making your greenhouse absolutely glow in the sun.

Options: Aside from the optional base, you can add an automatic opener for your roof vents as well as an extra 10-blade louvre vent for the side of your structure. Additional benches, staging and hangers are also available as options.

Any home gardener would be proud to have one of these beautiful Grand Gardener models on their property – they’re not just functional and durable, they’re stunning.

Vitavia is known for offering quality greenhouses at affordable prices, and the Apollo is a strong example of why this reputation is well-deserved. This new model from the German manufacturer is based on a six-foot width with five different available lengths, and includes several brand-new features including a no-threshold entrance and optional glazing capping. The great functionality and traditional “greenhouse” look remain the same as in earlier models.

Here’s a look at what to expect from the new Apollo glasshouses:

Size and Detailing: As mentioned, all of these structures are six feet long, so the available sizes are 6 x 4 (for the smallest allotments), 6 x 6, 6 x 8, 6 x 10 and 6 x 12 (for larger gardens or allotments). All of the Apollos have a single sliding door, which can be positioned to open either to the left or right, and the fact that it has no threshold makes it simple to wheel in carts or wheelbarrows, or ideal for gardeners who use a walking frame. The three smaller models each have one roof vent which can be opened, while the 6 x 10 and 6 x 12 each have two vents. Guttering is integral to the structure.

Frames and Bases: Vitavia makes two different versions of the anodised aluminum frame used on this greenhouse, one in natural color and one in green. There are some very nice differences from most competitors, though. Perhaps the most important is that there’s additional steel bracing for both the corners and roof, making the structure much more stable and wind-resistant. The built-in base plinth is another great addition; it’s what eliminates the door threshold and also contributes to making this glasshouse nice and rigid. Finally, there are built-in base corner posts, letting you anchor the structure right into soft ground without any expensive optional bases required.

Glazing: All three of the usual glazing options can be chosen for the Apollo: standard 3mm horticultural glass, 3mm toughened safety glazing (which won’t break into hazardous shards if cracked), and 4mm twin wall polycarbonate glazing (unbreakable). Here’s where the capping feature alluded to earlier comes into play; with either toughened glass or polycarbonate glazing (not with horticultural glass, though) you can add glazing capping instead of the wire glazing clips usually used on home greenhouses. The capping is not only easier to use and more attractive, but it holds the glazing much more tightly in windy conditions, ensuring that the glass or plastic won’t vibrate and shift around.

Options: Aside from the glazing capping, there are several “must-have” ventilation options available for serious gardeners. You can add an extra roof vent to your greenhouse, and you can also add automatic vent openers to maintain the proper inside temperature for your plants. An extra side louvre window is available for all Apollo glasshouses, as is an auto-opener for that window. Lots of extra staging, shelving, downpipes and thermometers can also be added as options.

The Vitavia Apollo greenhouse is a good-looking, “standard” structure with a lot of sensible and (to our mind) desirable features built in. It’s a good greenhouse at any price, and a great one at the prices offered.

Options: Standard glasshouse options are available with the Gardman, including an automatic opener for the roof vent which will ensure proper temperatures and humidity for your plants, a polycarbonate five-slat louvre vent for the side of the structure to add further ventilation as well as circulate the inside air (to prevent the growth of fungus), and an auto-opener for the side louvre vent. Other options like staging and shelving for this greenhouse are also available.

The only real complaint about this greenhouse is that the assembly instructions are a little hard to decipher. Otherwise, it’s a solid product; not a lot of frills, not a lot of options, not a lot of variety. But it looks good, is solidly-built, is less expensive than much of the competition – and does the job.

A solid greenhouse at an attractive price, good for either those starting out or those without a lot of room – that would be the perfect way to describe the Gardman 8x6 Greenhouse. At first glance, it looks a lot like the Halls Popular, but there are a few added options which not only make all the sense in the world, but make the Gardman a nice alternative for home or allotment gardeners who don’t really care about alternatives in glazing or colour.

Here’s a rundown of the Gardman 8x6 Greenhouse:

Size and Detailing: Obviously, the Gardman 8x6 comes in one size: 8 x 6. The company does, however, also make similar 6x4 and 6x6 models. This structure is standard as far as headroom is concerned, four feet at the eaves and a little over six feet at the ridge. There is one opening roof vent in this greenhouse, and one sliding free-running door with a fairly high threshold. Built-in gutters are included.

Frames and Base: The Gardman 8x6’s treated aluminum frame comes in just one colour, green powder coated, and is resistant to rust and corrosion. Standard with this greenhouse is a galvanized steel base which adds 13cm to the height of the structure and also adds stability.

Glazing: There is only one type of glazing available with this glasshouse, 4mm twin wall polycarbonate, which isn’t always ideal for very windy spaces, but has many other advantages. It insulates the inside of the structure almost twice as well as glass, diffuses sunlight so that it reaches the very far edges of the greenhouse, is UV stabilized so that it will protect plants and won’t yellow – and most importantly for families with children, it’s unbreakable. The nice features we mentioned earlier all involve the polycarbonate glazing; there are extra clips to make sure it stays in place, each sheet is 7mm longer than in most competitors’ structures for a better fit to the roof, and PVC strips have been added to the edges of each sheet to seal out the elements and help them fit better. If your heart is set on glass the Gardman 8x6 is not for you, but they’ve done a nice job to take a good glazing and make it even better.

Want to make a real statement in your garden or allotment? Instead of the usual aluminium or green-coloured glasshouse, think about a structure made from gorgeous red cedar, like the Growhouse 6x8 Cedar Greenhouse. It may cost more than one made from aluminium, but you’ll stand out from the crowd with this handmade beauty, which is as functional as it is stunning.

Glazing: There’s nothing to choose from when you purchase this Growhouse greenhouse, because it comes standard with 3mm toughened safety glazing meeting the British standard BS6206; there are no greenhouse glass or polycarbonate glazing options. One very nice feature of the cedar frame is that it’s built so that the safety glass fits right into the wood, with cedar capping to match perfectly. It’s one more terrific aspect of these glasshouses being hand built in Chester – the small details are paid careful attention.

Options: An automatic roof vent opener is the most popular option for the Growhouse 8x6 Cedar, because it allows you to keep the inside temperature regulated perfectly without having to be there. You can also add a slatted side vent (with seven full slats) right below one of the side windows, for even more air circulation. We’ve already mentioned the optional steel base; other add-ons such as staging and shelving, shade blinds for the side panels, and a matching water butt are also available.

Aluminum and cedar glasshouses will both do the job, when it comes to protecting seedlings, tender flowers and plants, or when you’re growing during rough winters. However, only one of them will look as distinctive as you and your garden – and that’s a Growhouse Cedar Greenhouse.

Here’s what you need to know about the Growhouse 8x6 Cedar Greenhouse:

Size and Detailing: You’ve probably already guessed that this glasshouse is 6 x 8, but we will add that Growhouse has similar models in other sizes ranging from 6 x 6, to 8 x 10, as well as several lean-tos. There are two roof vents which can be opened for ventilation, as well as two side windows which come standard on the 8x6 Cedar, certainly unusual for a greenhouse of this size. The structure has a single extra-wide sliding door which runs on an aluminum track, along with dual high-capacity gutters and downpipes. All of the fixings are stainless steel.

Frames and Base: The beautiful, warm-looking frame is built from western red cedar which has a straight, tight grain with very few knots, meaning it is strong, weather- and decay-resistant, and stands up well to pests. Over time the wood will start to lose some of its distinctive colour, but an application of stain will take care of that issue. It also smells wonderful. Many people will find that they don’t need to add a base onto the Growhouse 6x8, because the full framing on the bottom will sit nicely on a flat surface. However, Growhouse does also offer a green steel base plinth for added stability, if you choose to order it as an option. There is a ten-year manufacturer’s warranty on the frame and base.

Sometimes your property layout makes it impossible to place a full-sized greenhouse in the middle of a garden or yard. Or you may just like the look of a greenhouse flush up against your home. Either way, the Halls Silverline Lean-to Greenhouse is the perfect choice for a complete glasshouse which will fit into almost any area. These structures are made with the same quality and durability as other Halls greenhouses, but with a pleasing appearance (including attractive curved eaves) which will look “just right” against any building.

An in-depth look at these Silverline models:

Size and Detailing: Just because these glasshouses aren’t “free-standing” models, that doesn’t mean you have to compromise on size, as the three available Lean-tos are just as big as many regular greenhouses: 6 x 8, 6 x 10 and 6 x 12. The smaller model has one roof vent, while the larger ones each have two; a nice feature of the Silverline is a sliding door which can be positioned on either side, giving you total flexibility in deciding how to position the structure. These models have built-in front gutters, with downpipes included so that the water can run into a water butt.

Frames and Base: There’s no surprise when it comes to the frames and base of the Silverline. The same materials and choices which are available for most other Halls greenhouses are seen in these models: rust-free aluminum frames in your selection of green powder coating or natural silver, and an optional base made from galvanized steel (available in green or silver) which lets you put the structure right onto concrete or slabs to improve its overall rigidity and height. There’s a ten-year guarantee on the frame and optional base.

Glazing: It’s the same story for the glazing choices available for the Silverline Lean-to; the usual Halls options of either standard greenhouse horticultural glazing (3mm with 2 x 2 panes) or long pane toughened glazing (also 3mm) that meets the British BS6206A standard. The former is fine in most cases; the latter is more wind-resistant and also will break into hundreds of tiny pieces instead of dangerous shards if broken. The curved eaves are fashioned from acrylic which is UV resistant, so it won’t discolour.

Options: Aside from the base previously mentioned, great options include an automated roof vent opener, which gauges the temperature inside the greenhouse and opens (or closes) the vent when things get too hot or too cold for your plants, flowers and seedlings. A five-slat louvre vent which replaces a side pane for extra ventilation can also be ordered, along with an automatic opener if you so desire. Other options from Halls include small and large paraffin heaters which can run uninterrupted inside the structure for anywhere from 16 hours to seven days, an irrigation system, and a wide variety of shelving, staging, seed stands and other accessories.

A huge, free-standing greenhouse may look elegant on your property – but if you simply don’t have the space for it, you’re not losing out with the Halls Silverline Lean-to fixed to your home or apartment. It’s a wonderful solution to an often thorny problem.

Size and Detailing: The Orangery only comes in one size, approximately ten feet wide, but because of its unique design it feels a lot more spacious than the typical 10 x 6 or 10 x 8 greenhouse even though the roof isn’t particularly high. The extra roof panes necessary for the design means there’s plenty of room for four roof vents which open for optimal ventilation. It has one sliding glass door with threshold and built-in rain gutters.

Frames and Base: There are three choices you can make in terms of this greenhouse’s frame made from rust-free aluminum: silver, green or anthracite grey finishes. It comes standard with base corner posts for easy placement, but also includes a galvanized steel base which can be used if you so choose, to give the glasshouse more rigidity and also an extra 12cm of height. Also standard with the Orangery is extra bracing for the roof and corners, to add to the structure’s stability and strength. There is a ten year warranty on the base and frame.

Glazing: With the Orangery greenhouse, Eden gives you three choices of glazing: 3mm toughened safety glass, 3mm toughened safety glass, or 3mm toughened safety glass. We’re just kidding, of course; it’s another way of saying that there’s only one glazing available with this glasshouse, but the long pane toughened glazing is perhaps the best choice for light transmission and also for safety, since it’s shatter-resistant and will break into lots of tiny pieces instead of dangerous shards in the event it does crack.

Options: Since the steel base is standard, there’s no need for that rather expensive option. Instead, you can add things to this greenhouse like automated roof vent openers (useful for regulating the temperature that your plants are exposed to), five-slat window louvre vents to improve ventilation even more (along with optional automatic openers for the louvre vents), and a shading kit which could be useful depending on the location of your glasshouse. A wide variety of single, double and triple tier staging choices are also offered as options, as are different types of potting benches, heaters, thermometers, matching cold frames and even an inside irrigation system.

Extra space for seedlings as well as your already-growing crops is always welcome, and the Eden Orangery Greenhouse gives you plenty of space with its lovely, modern T-shaped design. It will either match your sophisticated home – or give your garden or yard a completely different and interesting look – as well as giving you a great place to garden.

One of the more stylish glasshouses on the market looks as if were designed, rather than just built. It’s the Eden Orangery Greenhouse, and it’s particularly distinctive because it’s not rectangular or square – it’s T-shaped. That makes for a prominent entrance, two “wings,” and an ultra-modern appearance. It also means there’s extra space inside in the Eden Orangery in which to work, and more exposed area for the sun to reach your plants and flowers. It’s also a sturdy structure, so you get substance as well as style.

Sleek, sturdy and well-built – the Juliana Premium greenhouse is just about everything a serious gardener would want in a home glasshouse. Juliana has long been known throughout the U.K. and across Europe as a high-quality provider of gardening structures (and is the only aluminum greenhouse which the Royal Horticultural Society endorses), and their Premium line has been upgraded even further over the last two years, with impressive attention to function, detail and appearance.

Here is what you can expect from a Juliana Premium greenhouse.Size and Detailing: The Premium series comes in a standard nine foot width, and you can select your preferred length of nine feet, 12 feet or 14 feet. While there may not be a Juliana Premium model which fits a small allotment, medium-to-large sized gardens or yards would be a perfect location for one of these greenhouses. The 9 x 12 and 9 x 14 versions each have four roof vents which can be opened, while there are two vents in the 9 x 9. High-quality gutters, complete with plastic seals and nice-sized downpipes, are included on all models, as are double stable doors with a threshold that’s low to the ground for easy access. Frames and Base: The two available aluminum frame colours are an important aspect to the Premium’s sleek look. You can choose either powder coated anthracide grey or milled aluminum; either looks great with the standard black fittings, doors, windows and steel base. Speaking of the base, it comes included with all Juliana Premium greenhouses and even has covers which go over the corner posts, so that the base joints don’t “stick out.” There are plenty of details which add to the structure’s beautiful appearance, including grooved profiles, a roof ridge with finials, and a sophisticated front plate with the “Juliana” name on it. Glazing: Unlike most companies which offer a choice of horticultural glass, toughened glass or polycarbonate glazing, the Premium only is available with the two higher-end products, 3mm toughened safety glass or 6mm polycarbonate. They’re both good choices if there are kids around, since the former won’t break into dangerous large pieces if it’s cracked and the latter is unbreakable, as well as better insulation for plants in the greenhouse. Options: It’s always easy to add any size of staging, tables or shelves in a glasshouse. Juliana makes it even easier, by offering integrated staging and shelf options for their Premium models. The staging is in the form of an elegant workstation which attaches to the inside of the structure, containing ample work areas and a convenient storage drawer. The aluminum shelves also fit right into the channels of the greenhouse sides for easy installation. A final option appears to be just for looks – easy-to-install plastic cresting which runs along the top of the structure – but it also has a function: it deters birds from setting up shop and leaving “deposits” down the sides of your beautiful greenhouse. This Juliana line is named “Premium” for a good reason. They are greenhouses that any real gardener would be proud to have on his or her property, and their functionality and reliability are as good as their looks.

The Eden Burford line of greenhouses feature the popular six-foot width seen in so many glasshouses these days, with one of the biggest assortments of colour, glazing and lengths of any British manufacturer. All of the Burford structures come with a new, very useful door system which they call “zero threshold” (and for which they have applied for a patent); a single sliding door without any rail to step over, meaning you can wheel carts or small equipment into the greenhouse easily. It’s also safer for children and disabled gardeners.

Here’s a look at the Eden Burford greenhouses.Size and Detailing: This six-foot wide line has three different size choices: 6 x 6, 6 x 8 and 6 x 10, allowing you to choose the perfect footprint for your allotment or garden. The two smaller sizes each have two roof vents, one on each side, which can opened for ventilation; the 6 x 10 greenhouses include a pair of vents on each side of the roof. Built-in gutters (80mm, wider than on many competitive models) complete with downpipes are included with all Burford glasshouses. Frames and Base: Sturdy aluminum is used for all frames, and they’re available in either black powder coated, green powder coated or natural mill silver colours. A great feature of the Eden Burford is a strong built-in base which includes L-brackets used to screw the frame directly into a hard, flat surface. A strong ridge bar ensures stability for the greenhouse, and extra-tall eaves allow plenty of working space inside. Glazing: The three usual glazing choices are available for all sizes of the Burford, with a nice twist. You can buy your greenhouse with 3mm horticultural glass which is really all that most home gardeners need; 3mm toughened safety glass which can hold up to strong winds and won’t shatter into dangerous shards if broken, and (here’s the twist) a twin walled polycarbonate glazing that’s a full 6mm thick. The polycarbonate material won’t shatter (making it ideal for yards where young children play), it provides almost twice the insulation for plants and vegetables as normal 3mm polycarbonate, and it’s slightly opaque which will protect delicate plants in sunny locations. Options: Most of the crucial options which are available for the Eden Burford have already been touched on; however, you can opt for a number of other, useful additions for your greenhouse. They include automatic opening-and-closing systems for the roof vents to regulate inside temperature and air flow, the Eden silver louvre window vent which has six toughened glass slats (plus an automatic opener for the vent), many different types of staging and shelving for your plants and seedlings, and the Eden junior paraffin heater which can keep the glasshouse warm for a full week (although it’s crucial for vents to be open while the heater is in use). Eden Burford greenhouses don’t come in the large 12 or 14-foot lengths of some other models, so they may not be suitable for very serious gardeners. For everyone else, though, these small-to-moderate sized structures provide all the strength, quality and choices you could look for.